Eternal Spring | Feb. 23rd

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, and the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, encourage one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

The other afternoon, we visited our granddaughter's resting place at the cemetery. It was late in the day, and the air felt like winter. Snow covered everything in sight, making the world appear lifeless and still. Then, I noticed some movement near the trees.

  What proceeded was a continual flock of Robins. One wave after another. Their bright colors stood out against the grey evening sky. They flew overhead one after another. A joyful reminder that spring is not far away. The snow has its own beauty, but it will soon melt away, revealing the emerald carpet beneath. Then the tulips planted last spring will bloom. The weeping cherry tree will sway in the warm breeze, its pink flowers blooming, and everything will be vibrant with life.

  Beloved, these subtle reminders point to the greater truth promised in these verses. The eternal spring promised by our Lord will soon dispel the winter of this age, and death and sorrow will cease. He has gone to prepare a place for us and will return so that we may be with Him forever. Encourage one another with these words. We will be with the Lord and with all who have gone before us. The new experience of eternity will be ours and will never be taken away. Maranatha.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Father is Downstream | Feb. 20th

 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you...”

   Isaiah 43:2

  North Brook was the stream behind my childhood home. I spent most of my childhood fishing and playing there . Some places were shallow, while others were deep enough to swim. In early spring, the stream would run high. One evening, while fishing with my dad, I slipped and was swept downstream. Thankfully, Dad was downstream and grabbed me, lifting me out of the water and setting me on a rock. It all happened so fast. I was probably in no real danger, but it was good to have my feet planted again and my head above water.

  Beloved, our heavenly Father is always downstream, ready to support us when unexpected circumstances unsettle our lives. At times, we are swept off our feet and feel disoriented, lacking the strength or clarity to regain our footing. Life can shift suddenly from moments of safety and enjoyment to unforeseen challenges.

  Do not doubt God’s watchful eye or His ability to lift you from the waters. The waters will not overwhelm you, for He is with you. It is not your own strength or wisdom that sustains you, but His love and constant presence in times of trouble. The Lord remains with you as you navigate the challenges of today.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Fireflies | Feb. 19th

  “You are the light of the world.”

   Matthew 5:14

  Beloved, I know it might be hard to imagine seeing fireflies again when the countryside is covered by a cold blanket of snow, but green-up time is coming.

  If you remember summers when the skies are blue and the air is hot, you do not see fireflies. But when evening comes and all is dark, this tiny insect delights adults and children. The darkness lets us see these little creatures of God, and we are drawn to them when they are illuminated.

  We long for blue skies in life and calm summer breezes without a care in the world. But sometimes we shine brightest in the darkest times. The apostle Paul asked God to remove his thorn in the flesh, but God denied the request and answered in a greater way by supplying sufficient grace.

  Do not resent periods of darkness or be intimidated by challenging times, for the One within you is greater. God’s grace will surpass even the darkest circumstances, and in Christ, you are the light of the world, drawing others to Him.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight